Picture: Pool at Grand Prismatic Spring
The earth is more alive where geysers and hot boiling water are present. Because of the geyser basins and thermal areas, Yellowstone is considered to have a lot of medicine and be a powerful spiritual place.
Eastern Shoshone Cultural Center
We have found this Shoshone saying to be true. We have visited many of Yellowstone’s most famous and not so well known places, and even though there have been countless visitors standing with us, it seemed there is a quietness that belies the number of people. As we waited for the Old Faithful Geyser to erupt, hundreds, perhaps thousands lined the semi-circle walkway in hushed expectation (we could only imagine how many more people would have been here only a month ago at the height of the season).
And again, we were at the Grand Prismatic Spring as tour buses arrived with international guests in abundance from Salt Lake City, and even though there were many who are shoot and shoe tourists (barely stop to take a quick picture or selfie and then off they go!), both Carla and I felt a quiet sacredness about the place. There is a way of inwardly listening to the vibrational consciousness of a place by being quiet and receptive. Too much concern with schedules, other people around you, and other distractions and you will miss what a place has to say to you.
We stand in awe at the dramatic colors that are vividly displayed in this most unusual setting. From minerals that erupt from the earth to the micro-organisms (extremophiles) that love hot pools, the colors are dazzling. These geysers and pools are what make Yellowstone unique geology in the world.
However, it is also a wonderful place to see wildlife up close. Bison are a delightful surprise. We did not expect to have much connection with these very large mammals who spend eleven hours a day eating. They really are magnificent, as they make their way down lush river valleys they are not only imposing, they also have a real presence. We grew greatly fond of them; now designated as the National Mammal of America. God fulfilled our wish to see moose, as she strolled down the river munching on the greens presenting themselves to her. And on our way back from the magnificent Grand Tetons a large bull moose ran out of the trees next to the road in dusk’s faint light, his quick reflexes and mine prevented a very problematic collision. Then he calmly continued on his way across the road—we loved seeing him from close quarters. The elk are also much admired. A female (a wapiti) made her way through some woods to come near me, Carla said she was coming to get my darshan—I thought I was there to get hers. Then the enormous bull of the herd followed through the thicket and I made a wise retreat, as he was apparently jealous of his prerogatives!
Picture: Moose munching her way down the riverbank
Each day has been a Ram-adventure and He has guided us perfectly. Time and again we arrived just as something wonderful was occurring. He made sure we had a place to stay when there seemed to be none. It is not advisable to go without reservations to this first and foremost national park, but our invisible booking agent saw to everything perfectly.
Now hie on to our return through the Rocky Mountains. I am working on the pictures I took and will plan to put them up on the internet. The weather has been perfect fall days, even very warm the last couple of days. The painted colors of autumn are splendid, golds of the aspen and reds of the maple making for a ridiculously vibrant palate of color. The colors are so over the top it seems to give a glimpse into the vivacious astral worlds. This journey has certainly fulfilled the purpose in seeking out Nature’s Cathedrals, and taking what the oncologist said was the best medicine for me, being in nature’s wonders.
Picture: Rams in human form at the Grand Prismatic Springs; some are of the shoot & shoe/shoo tourist variety
